[AP/ABC News] Karin Laub and Dalia Nammari - Two human rights groups on Monday decried widespread torture of political opponents by Palestinian rivals Hamas and Fatah. An estimated 20-30% of the detainees suffered torture, including severe beatings and being tied up in painful positions, said Shawan Jabarin, director of the Palestinian human rights group Al Haq, citing sworn statements from 150 detainees. He said three died in detention in Gaza and one in the West Bank. "The use of torture is dramatically up," added Fred Abrahams of Human Rights Watch, that is releasing its own report on abuse this week. Human Rights Watch said Abbas' Fatah forces need to come under closer scrutiny because of the international support they enjoy.
2008-07-29 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive